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Your Social Security number is an important key for an identity thief. Scammers want it, and they think of all sorts of ways to trick you into giving it away.

Here at the Federal Trade Commission, we’re getting reports about calls from scammers claiming to be from the Social Security Administration. They say there’s been a computer problem, and they need to confirm your Social Security number.

Other people have told us that they have come across spoof websites that look like the place where you would apply for a new Social Security card – but these websites are actually a setup to steal your personal information.

If you get a phone call or are directed to a website other than ssa.gov that is claiming to be associated with the Social Security Administration, don’t respond. It’s most likely a scam.

Here’s some tips to deal with these government imposters:

  • Don’t give the caller your information. Never give out or confirm sensitive information – like your bank account, credit card, or Social Security number – unless you know who you’re dealing with. If someone has contacted you, you can’t be sure who they are.
  • Don’t trust a name or number. Con artists use official-sounding names to make you trust them. To make their call seem legitimate, scammers use internet technology to spoof their area code – so although it may seem they are calling from Washington, DC, they could be calling from anywhere in the world.
  • Check with the Social Security Administration. The SSA has a warning about these scams and suggests you contact them directly at 1-800-772-1213 to verify the reason for the contact and the person’s identity prior to providing any information to the caller.

If you come across one of these scams, please report it to the Social Security Administration’s Fraud Hotline at 1-800-269-0271, or 1-866-501-2101(TTY), and then tell the FTC about it.

It is your choice whether to submit a comment. If you do, you must create a user name, or we will not post your comment. The Federal Trade Commission Act authorizes this information collection for purposes of managing online comments. Comments and user names are part of the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) public records system, and user names also are part of the FTC’s computer user records system. We may routinely use these records as described in the FTC’s Privacy Act system notices. For more information on how the FTC handles information that we collect, please read our privacy policy.

The purpose of this blog and its comments section is to inform readers about Federal Trade Commission activity, and share information to help them avoid, report, and recover from fraud, scams, and bad business practices. Your thoughts, ideas, and concerns are welcome, and we encourage comments. But keep in mind, this is a moderated blog. We review all comments before they are posted, and we won’t post comments that don’t comply with our commenting policy. We expect commenters to treat each other and the blog writers with respect.

  • We won’t post off-topic comments, repeated identical comments, or comments that include sales pitches or promotions.
  • We won’t post comments that include vulgar messages, personal attacks by name, or offensive terms that target specific people or groups.
  • We won’t post threats, defamatory statements, or suggestions or encouragement of illegal activity.
  • We won’t post comments that include personal information, like Social Security numbers, account numbers, home addresses, and email addresses. To file a detailed report about a scam, go to ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

We don't edit comments to remove objectionable content, so please ensure that your comment contains none of the above. The comments posted on this blog become part of the public domain. To protect your privacy and the privacy of other people, please do not include personal information. Opinions in comments that appear in this blog belong to the individuals who expressed them. They do not belong to or represent views of the Federal Trade Commission.

katty
January 26, 2018
I was victim of a scam few months ago when they got me through a company website which was scammed as well. they offered me a job and send me the welcome documents online and they got all my information. Even though I did the report to this website is unbelievable that authorities can find and stop those people. I still scare that they can do anything with that information.
FTC Staff
January 26, 2018

In reply to by katty

The FTC has a list of clues that someone might be using your information for idenitity theft. You can read about the clues, and watch for any signs of identity theft in your life. If you see signs of identity theft, report it at IdentityTheft.gov.

When you report, you can get create a recovery plan and get letters and forms to send to businesses to help with problems.

M.C.
January 26, 2018

In reply to by FTC Staff

I turned in a family in California that has been using my Social Security number since the mid-90s but no one would do anything. I was told to go to the FTC, then told to go to Social Security, then told to go to the police. Since their fraud (opening cell phone accounts) didn't exceed $40,000 they did nothing. Sure would be nice if someone stopped them! I can't imagine just how many others have this happening.
Terry
January 26, 2018

In reply to by M.C.

I had this happen a number of years ago. I was working in a field that allowed access for verification purposes. My baby brother whom had been behind bars for a long time, had a large credit history under his social. A lot of different Hispanic names under his number. I notified Social Security and they informed me they couldn't do anything. Oh well. He's passed on now.
joujou93
October 16, 2018

In reply to by katty

Just received a call from 205 303 3662 telling me to call back the number that there was a problem with an error and I would not receive my social security check. They did not use my name. I called back and a person with a heavy accent answered "social security" I said "you just called me" They wanted to know my name. I did not give my name. My husband just passed away and it isn't enough that I have to deal with all that(already updated everything with SSA) grieving the loss of my best friend of 64 years and some scum bag wants to take what money I have!
Don't use your…
October 18, 2018

In reply to by joujou93

I received a call from 205-303-3656, 10/17/18, telling me there was may be suspected fruad on my social security number and I was receiving this robo call from the Social Security Administration in an attempt to (the implication was to halt or stop the fraud, I dont remember the exact wording used). However, I needed to contact the Social Security Administration at (a number was repeated twice; however, the call kept fading in and out. I believe it was the same number as was on my caller ID.) If I didn't not respond, my social security number would be frozen. Now that is a silly notion. Freeze my social security number; however, to my mother, that would be scary and she would call. I attempted to call the number back, using *67 first, so my phone number would not show up on caller ID and would show as unknown caller. When I did this, the call did not go through. I contacted the SS Fraud Dept to report this interaction.
Mrs. Yarsharahla
October 22, 2018

In reply to by Don't use your…

I have been getting these calls too. they keep calling too. I thought they sent a letter or something when stuff like that happens. They don't have my phone # and my social is not tied with it either. So, why call me?
JUST SCAMMED
August 08, 2019

In reply to by Mrs. Yarsharahla

I HAVE RECIEVED THREE CALLS SO FAR. THEY NEVER ASK MY NAME, THEY JUST SAY MY SS# HAS BEEN USED IN THE SOUTHERN BORDER OF TEXAS AND I NEED TO TALK TO AN AGENT. I HAVE NOT TALKED TO ANYONE I HANGUP SO THIS MORNING THEY CALL AND SAY MY NUMBER HAS BEEN SUSPENDED. HOW DO YOU SUSPEND A SS#
usedname
September 25, 2019

In reply to by JUST SCAMMED

I just got a call from San Antonio Texas from what I believe to be are scammers claiming to be the social security administration so that maybe could’ve been them.
don't be duped…
November 21, 2019

In reply to by usedname

Repeated calls this morning from El Paso, Texas 915-224-1283. Problem with s.s. number, return call immediately.
Shorty22
December 04, 2019

In reply to by don't be duped…

I received the same call from el paso texas talking about security number would be suspended
Gm
November 18, 2019

In reply to by JUST SCAMMED

I too, have been getting these phone calls saying the same thing except, they found a car near the border with blood, cocaine, and some other stuff. Therefore, they also raided an apartment which no one was there more drugs in it. I am so tired of these people calling me . I then ask myself how are they suspend my ss#???
DH
December 05, 2019

In reply to by Gm

I received the same exact script! Unbelievable!! Unfortunately, I fell for it. My safety and security was threatened. I feel so shameful and broken. I am a professional, who should really know better , yet I became another victim.
RiverRat
December 04, 2019

In reply to by JUST SCAMMED

I have had 5 of this same identical thing within the past 2 weeks, I just hang up . They have never called saying my number has been suspended (YET)
#FedUpConsumer
November 13, 2018

In reply to by Don't use your…

I just received the exact same call from 207-263-1035. I have the Robo Killer app on my phone and it triggered their recorded message to continue and a person picked up. He eventually hung up, but I saved the recording. I came here to find out how to report it and reached a very helpful person who took a full report from me. This is the number I used: Security Administration’s Fraud Hotline at 1-800-269-0271. I also followed up with a report to the FTC. The link is in the information above these comments. So sick of all the scams...
TB
December 03, 2018

In reply to by Don't use your…

Just got a call from 724-602-4635 stating the same thing. Said my number was suspected to be linked to illegal activity and they had an order to suspend it and my assets.
TM
December 07, 2018

In reply to by TB

I just got exact call but from 800-772-1213 which is legit SSA # but obviously spoofed. I stayed on the line to speak to someone and they hung up.
daniel
December 12, 2018

In reply to by Lola

same here - the caller gave me his id, case # and said they have an arrest for me. Then he asked for my info and list of assets i have. when i refused to give him he disconnect,
Mikeren
December 19, 2018

In reply to by daniel

I just had a call from same number saying my ssn was cancelled bcause of something that happened in Texas, i live in Philadelphia , tgey said i was being sued for drug trafficking bcause a car rented by me was found on side of road with drugs in it and i couldn't hear him clearly bcause tbe indian accent when asked to speak to manager that spoke clear English they hung up
Sam
January 22, 2019

In reply to by Mikeren

EXACTLY the same thing happened -- same story -- early January 2019
Pissed off
July 24, 2019

In reply to by Sam

This is happening to me right now, I am implicated in drug trafficking and money laundering as well and my information was found in an abandoned car near the border in El Paso Tx, with blood all in it and several kilos of cocaine. Then I was being investigated by federal marshals for this crime and for laundering money in several different counties. Only money laundering I’ve ever done is if I washed my jeans and some was left in the pockets by mistake. These folks won’t leave me alone I get at least 4 messages each day by these crooks. I hope they catch them soon...
G
September 27, 2019

In reply to by Pissed off

The same exact thing happened to me yesterday. The scammer used the exact same words. I panicked since it's the first time is happening and gave the last 4 of my SSN. What a psycho! Someone can even get a heart attack :(
Dont know what to do
November 12, 2019

In reply to by Pissed off

I am only 20 years old and have been getting this call. I'm so stupid and thought this was real until i talked to my mom. I am wondering what i should do if I was actually talking to them and answering their questions. Someone please help me.
susan bassett
November 20, 2019

In reply to by Pissed off

I got the same call. Months ago. Answered twice. Third time answered I reported to SSA Gave SSA the number have not heard from them since.....
ebonyDon't use…
February 02, 2019

In reply to by Mikeren

The exact thing happened to me today. The guy (with a heavy Indian accent started threatening me saying I would be arrested if I hung up which I did. He called back & I told him I had called the police and never to call me again. These people are sickos.
nopenada
February 25, 2019

In reply to by ebonyDon't use…

Got two of these today from different VOIP #'s. I asked if they were Sesame Street because they are so concerned about numbers. He did not like that at all.
Nancy
April 03, 2019

In reply to by Mikeren

I got the same call today they was from Texas to I'm in West Virginia
Joyanna
April 18, 2019

In reply to by Mikeren

Was the number 903 224 6530? I had my cards stolen a couple years ago and I have received 2 messages from this number saying social security fraud.
Cindi
May 02, 2019

In reply to by Mikeren

This just happened this morning to my 91 year old mother. Sadly, she gave them the last 4 digits of her social security number which is all she remembered. Now I have to deal with the possible outcome. It’s disgusting and upsetting.
Ericaangel
June 20, 2019

In reply to by Mikeren

I got the exact same call about criminal activity in texas and was told a warrant was issued for me for money laundering and drug trafficking and I was going to jail for 9 years. When I told him that's not how the justice system works so arrest me and I will fight it in court he hung up.
mary
August 19, 2019

In reply to by Mikeren

I received a call stating that my SSN was cancelled from a Michigan SSA. What a joke. The number was 313-364-9331. Please report this number all.
Ang563Don't us…
December 12, 2018

In reply to by Lola

I just received one today from the actual SSA number! The person, Paul Wilson, had a heavy accent and stated that my ss benefits would be suspended if I did not cooperate. I played along until he told me to drive to my bank and withdraw my money as the culprits may access it and that someone from the FBI would meet to talk to me, and other threats. I hung up and they kept blowing up my phone so I called the Fraud Hotline and made an official report. I think they have my ss# though...UnREAL!!
Toto
August 28, 2019

In reply to by Lola

Just got another call with the same thing from this # (844-778-1356) clicked the button to talk to a "real person" and was answered with total silence, until the call ended. It's driving me nuts how many of these calls I get.
Kat
February 13, 2019

In reply to by Don't use your…

I just got a call from a person saying there is suspected fraud and my SS number was going to be suspended if I didnt verify my SS number by tell them what the number was. like the social security would suspend anyones number in the first place. It wouldnt happen, you cant get the SS to do that. even if u call the real SS office and tell them too suspended it because someone has been using ur number. SS still wouldn't suspended a number, they just don't ever do that.... The call came from San Francisco and its (415) 325-5781
Steve
August 06, 2019

In reply to by Kat

I got a similar call just now. They said they were going to suspend my SS# and file a lawsuit against me for suspicious activity on my SS#. But I've gotten similar calls like this before from scammers claiming to be calling from the IRS and that a lawsuit was going to be filed against me. I think the 'lawsuit filed against you' gambit might be designed to frighten some people into calling them no matter what so the scammers can perpetrate their scam on them. What made me suspicious, though, was that they never referenced me by name, just kept saying 'you'. That could mean anybody in the household. A responsible agency would at least specify who was being charged by name. I felt that was a dead giveaway that it was just a robocall and they were mass calling whatever numbers they could, probably phone numbers randomly generated by computer, and had no idea who was actually at that number so they couldn't specify them by name, just use a generic 'you'. For the poor souls who may fall for these scams, I hope the scammers roast in hell.
Ava
August 23, 2019

In reply to by Steve

I just got the same call from a 646-993-9916 number saying there's a legal enforcement action filed on my name & SS# & it's been involved in a crime and my SS# was going to be suspended on an immediate basis so I need to call them back before they begin legal proceeding matters. I never even heard of your SS# being suspended! These people are the scum of the earth!
GFRR1969
August 27, 2020

In reply to by Kat

i just got a call today saying that they was the SSA and my social security number would be suspended and canceled because there was fraudulent activity coming from the Washington dc area the number was 202 953 7350 which is the Washington dc area but not the real SSA number.
Chicken 501
October 07, 2019

In reply to by Don't use your…

I received a somewhat similar call with recorded voice telling me my account had been suspended due to fraudulent activity. Dial 1 NOW if you need further information about this case. If one dials 1 they are soon asked for their SS number so they can locate information about your case. Good time to hang up.
desertgal
November 25, 2018

In reply to by joujou93

that is tragic the kind of greed that's out there. So glad you didn't give a name. I was also widowed this fall, and at 72, he died too young
E-
December 05, 2018

In reply to by joujou93

Same scam: (209) 528-7211 Telephone recording at 5 a.m., claiming to be the Inspector General for Social Security. If you call back they all speak with a heavy accent like from India. All scammers-it's all fraud. When I called back, told them I was calling from Interpol with a badge number for them-they hung up and blocked the call from their end ahahahahaha
Me
March 26, 2019

In reply to by E-

My mother just had a call similar to the described ones here. E- I have to remember that 'Interpol' idea. Love it!
Smarter than that
January 19, 2019

In reply to by joujou93

The number 202 525 8015 called me today, was automated, said something about fraudulent claim or late ssi check. Didn't catch whole thing but I tried to call back and was a number no longer in service. Do not understand how within seconds could be that way but I figured was some bullshit
Skeeter512
November 26, 2019

In reply to by joujou93

Yes, these slime look for people who may be vulnerable for some reason, such as recently losing a mate or other close person.
wwildflowerr
October 15, 2019

In reply to by katty

Make sure you set up alerts and protection on all accounts.
Cyn M
January 26, 2018

You wrote: contact them directly at 1-800-772-121 to verify This is not a complete number.

FTC Staff
January 26, 2018

In reply to by Cyn M

We corrected the text: The SSA has a warning about these scams and suggests you contact them directly at 1-800-772-1213.

M
June 01, 2018

In reply to by FTC Staff

I refuse to call this number, it is the same number that keeps calling!!!!
Wise One
July 19, 2018

In reply to by M

M, that may be the number that keeps calling, but it is because someone is spoofing that number. What that means is that there is technology, where someone can call from a different number in a different area, and put in any number they want to, to make you think it is actually that number, in this case, the social security office, is calling. However, if you are getting scam calls, despite what your caller i.d. says the number is, it is not actually social security calling you, but a fraudster spoofing their number. However, spoofing does not work both ways. Therefore, you can, confidentally call that number back. That is the official social security number, and has been for decades. I have called it for decades. They will not call you; only in extremely rare cases. What you want to do do, is if you answer when that number calls, and it is a scam/fraudster, just hang up, and call the number (1-800-772-1213) back. You will not get the fraudster. You will get the actual social security office.